Switch throwing device



April 19, 932. J. B. MiLLi-:R 1,854,521

SWITCH THROWING DEVICE Filed Feb. 5, 195o Patented Apr. 19, 1932 'PATENTJAMES B. MILLER, 0F WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI j SWITCH THROWING- DEVICEApplication led February 5, 1930. Serial No. 427,914.

This invention pertains to devices for operating track switcheselectrically. It is intended more particularly, for use in mines andsimilar places, the application being such that the operator ofa trainof cars can operate the switch as his train approaches or leaves theswitching point.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide aswitch-throwingdevice which may be operated simply by momentarily closing an electricalcircuit and which will operate reliably to throw the switch as desired.

Another object is to provide such a device which is easily manipulatedbut which is securely locked in either position.

Another obj ect is to provide improved locking means for such a device.y

Another object 1s to provide such a device which will indicate at alltimes the position of the track switch and which will indicate when theswitch is not operating properly.

Further objects will appear from the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a side view of a switch-throwing device embodying` thisinvention, showing its application to a track switch.

Fig. 2 is a verticallongitudinal section of the device shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a partial section taken on line 3 3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a detailed section taken about on line 4 4 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 5 is a diagram of the circuit connections, showing one method ofoperating the device in accordance with this invention.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates a casing which is generallycylindrical in shape and provides a housing for a pair of solenoids 2.The solenoids 2, are mounted in axial alignment with one another in thecasing. Mounted for sliding movement axially within the solenoids, 2, isa plunger 3. .The plunger 3 is long enough so that when completelyembedded in one of the solenoids, it will span the gap between the twoand reach a short distance into the other solenoid. Accordingly, ifeither solenoid is excited by an electric current, the plunger will beforcibly drawn into that solenoid. Accordingly, the

plunger may be moved in one direction or another according to which ofthe solenoids, 2, is excited.

The casing 1 is provided with a lateral o'set 4, in which is pivoted ona shaft 5, 65 a switch operating arm 6. The arm 6 is fixed to the arm 5which passes through the wall of the casing and has secured to its outerend a lever 7 pivoted at 8 to a link 9 which is connected to operate theswitching 60 points 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the device may be mountedbeside the track 11 on a pair of extra long ties 12.

rlie plunger 3 has a transverse perforation 13 through which the arm 6exten-ds. 65 The lower end of the arm 6 beyond the plunger 3 is providedon each side thereof, with a rounded button 14. Each button 14 isengaged by a toggle member comprising a pair of telescoping hollowelements 15 and 16. '50 These elements are arranged to telescope onewithin the other and a spring 17 is housed within them so as toyieldingly resist telescoping action. The other end of each togglemember bears against the rounded end 7( of an adjusting screw 18 whichextends through the wall of the casing 1 so as to be adjustable fromoutside of said casing. By means of the screws 18, the pressure exertedby the toggle members can be adjusted.

It will be seen that the action of these toggle members is to lock thearm 6 yieldingly at either end of its stroke. In order to move the arm6, it is necessary to compress both 8, springs 17 until the end of thearm has '3 moved past the dead-center position, after which thesesprings will operate to force the arm to the end of its stroke.

Pivoted at 19 on a bracket 2O removably 90 mounted in an opening 21 inthe rear side of the casing is a pair of bell crank levers 22, eachhaving an arm 23 adapted for engagement with an adjusting screw 24 underpressure of a spring 25. Each of these bell 05 crank levers carries anelectrical contact 26 insulated from the bell crank itself, but incontact with a conductor 27 leading out of the casing. By means of thebell cranks 22 adjustable by the screws 24, the contacts 26 100 CAD maybe positioned so as to be engaged by the arm 6 just before the latterreaches the end of its stroke.

The conductors 27 may be connected, each to one of a pair of signallamps 28, mounted in a suitable box which may be mounted on the casing las illustrated in Figure l. By means-of the contacts 26, the arm 6operates to ground one or the other of the lamps 28 according to theposition of said arm. These lamps will be of different colors'so as toindicate the position of the switch points 10. These lights 28 may belocated at anyl point other than at the switch itself, so as to renderthe same visible' to the operator in ample time before reaching theswitch.

The circuit arrangements are shown in Fig. 5. In this ligure, the trackis shown at ll and a trolley wire at 29. Mounted near the trolley wireon each side of the switching pointy is an insulated section of trolleywire 30. The sections 30 may be spaced from the switching point asuiiicient distance to allow the train operator to recognize theposition ot" the switch from the color ot' the signal lamps 28 and tooperate the switch, if necessary, in time to permit his train to passthereover. The sections 30 are connected by conductors 3l one to each-ofthe solenoids 2. A conductor 32 runs from the trolley wire 29 to a pointbetween the two solenoids 2. A conductor 33 also runs from the trolleyconnection to both of the lamps 28.

The operation of the device is as follows:

Atrain 34 approaching a switching point, the operator observing thelamps 28, notes by the color of the lamp lighted that the switch is notset as he wants it. He, therefore, takes a metallic bar or rod 35provided with a suitable insulated handle and grounded on the traineor". the locomotive, and touches this bar to the section 30 as hepasses. This operates to groundthe conductor 31 and the correspondingend of the appropriate solenoid 2. This solenoidv attracts the plunger 3which is drawn intol the solenoid and there by swings the arm 6 on itspivot. During the movement of the arm 6, the toggle members aretelescoped so as to compress the springs 17 until the dead-centerposition is passed after which these springs assist in forcing the armto the end of its stroke. This movement causes the lever 7 to shift thelink 9 so as to move the switching points l() against the other rail 1l.

As the arm G begins its stroke, the bell crank 22fturns on its pivotuntil the arm 23 engages the screw 24. At this point the circuit to thecontact 26 is broken and the corresponding lamp 28 is extinguished. Just as the arm 6 completes its stroke, it makes Contact with the othercontact 26 sol as to light the other lamp 28.

In, order to avoid the possibility of burning out the coils 2 by leavingthem in the electrical circuit too long, a coil 37 is connected inseries with the solenoid circuit. The coil 37 is made o1" a conductorsmall enough so that it will be destroyed before the solenoidsthemselves suffer damage. Accordingly, it the parts should stick or it,for any reason, the current should be left on the solenoids 2 for anylength of time, the 'l 37 would be burned out thereby protecting thesolenoids.

It will be seen that this invention provides a thoroughly reliableswitch-throwing de*- vice. rlhe arrangement whereby the arm (i passesthrough the plunger 3 provides a positive engagement which can not bederanged. Accordingly, the force of the solenoids is applied directly tothe arm 6. Thetoggle mein bers act equally on bothsides oi" the arm andat equal angles therewith. Accordingly.,

the eil'ort of these toggles is balanced land there is no tendency toforce the arm to one side or the other out of its normal path. ri`hetension oi' these toggle members can be adliusted so that an exactbalance may be obtained. the toggle members serves to protect that spring and thereby insure reliable operation.

rlhe signal lights serve to indicate at all times the position of theswitching points.

The contacts 26 ma be ad'usted b the screws l .V l Y 24, whichadjustment may be made from the outside of the casing, so as to engagethe arm 6, Just before it reaches the end of its stroke.

The housing of the spring within iliccordingly,` ir" this arm should beprevented for any reason from reaching the end ot its stroke the signa-llight would not be lighted. Therefore, in case of accident to the switchor it :tor any reason the switching aoint's are not moved into fullengagement with the rail, the light will not be lighted. This servesasa. warning to the train operator that all is not right since Linder'normal condition a light of one color or the other should be displayed.Having both lights out, therefore. constitutes a danger signal whichwill wam the operator to stop and investigate.

l/Vhile this device hasbeen described as a unitary combination, it willbe understood, that certain Jfeatures or sub-combinatiens may be used bythemselves without the rest of the combination and the use oit` suchfeatures or combinations is contemplated by this inven` tion and iswithin the scope ot the appended claims.

It is further obvious that various changes may be made, within the scopeot the appended claims, in the details of construction without departingfrom the spirit ot this invention; it is to be understood, therefore,that this invention is not limited to the specilic details shown and/ordescribed.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

l. A. track-switch throwing device, comprising, a solenoid, a movableplunger there for, a switch operating arm pivoted laterally of saidplunger and in engagement therewith, and balanced toggle means forlocking said arm. v

2. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a solenoid, a movableplunger' therefor, a switch operating arm pivoted laterally of saidplunger and in engagement therewith, and a pair orn balanced yieldingtoggle members adapted to lock said arm.

3. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a solenoid, a movableplunge `ha a perforation, a switch operating arm pivoted laterally ofsaid plunger and passing thru said perforation, and means for loc-hingsaid arm.

A. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a solenoid, a movableplunger having a perforation, a switch operation arm pivoted laterallyof said plunger and passing thru said perforation, and balanced togglemeans for locking said arm.

5. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a solenoid, a movableplunger having a perforation, a switch operating arm pivoted laterallyof said plunger and passing thru said perforation, a pair of balancedyielding toggle members adapted to lock said arm.

6. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a solenoid, a movableplunger therefor, a switch operating arm pivoted laterally of saidplunger and in engagement therewith,

and a signal contact positioned to be engaged by said arm.

7. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a solenoid, a movableplunger therefor, a switch operating arm pivoted laterally of saidplunger a d in engagement therewith, and an adjustable signal contactpositioned to be engaged by said arm.

8. A track-switch throwing device, com'- prising, a solenoid, a movableplunger therefor, a switch operating arm pivoted laterally of saidplunger and in engagement therewith, and adjustable signal contactspositioned to be engaged by said arm at opposite ends of its travel.

9. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a solenoid, a movableplunger therefor, a switch operating arm pivoted laterally of saidplunger, a signal contact positioned to be engaged by said arm, andmeans for locking said arm at the end of its travel.

10. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a solenoid, a movableplunger therefor, a switch operating arm pivoted laterally of saidplunger and in engagement therewith, adjustable signal contactspositioned to be engaged by said arm at opposite ends of its travel, andmeans for locking said arm at opposite ends of its travel.

11. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a casing, a solenoidtherein, a movable plunger for said solenoid a switch operating armpivoted laterally of said plunger and engageable therewith to beoperated thereby, a signal contact positioned to be engaged by said arm,and means for adjusting said contact from the outside of said casinO.

zl2. A track-switch throwing device, comrising, a casing, a solenoidtherein, a movalile plunger for said solenoid, a switchV operating armpivoted laterally of said plunger and engageable therewith to beoperated thereby, a signal contact positioned to be engaged by said arm,means Jfor adjusting said contact from the outside of said casing, and asignal light connected with said contact.

13. ln a device of the character described, having a solenoid and anoperating arm actuated thereby, and a pair of toggle members for lockingsaid arm, each comprising a pair of telescoping thrust elements having aspring therebetween, said members engaging said arm in balancedrelation. A

1A. ln a device of the character described, having a solenoid, and anoperating arm actuated thereby, and a pair of toggle members for lockingsaid arm', each comprising a pair of telescoping thrust elements havinga spring between said elements and housed within one of them, saidmembers engaging said arm in balanced relation.

15. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a solenoid, a movableplunger theretor, a switch operating arm, pivoted laterally of saidplunger and in engagement therewith, balanced toggle means for lockingsaid arm, and a destructible conductor in the circuit of said solenoid.V

16. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a casing, a solenoidtherein, a movable plunger for said solenoid, a switch operating armpivoted in said casing laterally of said plunger and movably engageabletherewith, means for operatively connecting said arm outside of saidcasing with a trackswitch, and balanced means adapted to yieldingly locksaid arm at opposite ends of its travel.

17. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a casing, a solenoidtherein, a perforated movable plunger for said solenoid, a switchoperating arm pivoted in said casing laterally of said plunger andmovably engaged in the perforation thereof, means for operativelyconnecting` said arm outside ot said casing with a track-switch, andbalanced means adapted to yieldingly lock said arm at opposite ends ofits travel.

18. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a. casing, a solenoidtherein, a movable plunger for said solenoid, a switch operating armpivoted insaid casing laterally of said plunger and movably engageabletherewith, means for operatively connecting said arm outside ot saidcasing with a trackswitch, balanced means adapted to yieldingly spoloek= said arm at. opposite ends of its tra-vel, and-meansfor adjustingthe balance of said last means.

19. A track-switchthrowing device, comprising, a casing, a solenoidtherein, a movable plunger for said solenoid, a switch operating armpivoted in said casing laterally of said plunger and movably engageabletherewith, means for operatively connectingl said arm outside of saidcasing with a trackswitch, and signal contacts engageable with said armat opposite ends of its travel.

20. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a casing, a solenoidtherein, a movable plunger for said solenoid, a switch operatingA armpivoted in said casing laterally of said plunger and movably engageabletherewith, means for operatively connecting said arm outside of saidcasing With a trackswitch, signal contacts engageable with said arm atopposite ends of its travel, and means for adjusting` said contacts.

21. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a solenoid, a movableplunger having a perforation, a switch operating arm pivoted laterallyof said plunger and passing through said perforation, and balancedlooking means engaging said' arm beyond said plunger.

22. A track-switch throwing device, comprising, a solenoid, a movableplunger having aperforation, a switch operating arm pivoted laterallyof'said plunger and projecting through said'perforation, and a pair ofyielding toggle members engaging the projecting end of said arm tolockthe same.

23. A track-switch throwing device, comu prising, a solenoid, a movableplunger having a perforation, a switch operating arm pivoted laterallyof said plunger and projecting through said perforation, a. pair ofyielding toggle members engaging the projecting end of said arm to lockthe same, and adjustablel pivots for said toggle members.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature this 26th day of October,1929.`

JAMES B. MILLER-

